Japanese Ricefish / Medaka Care Guide
Oryzias latipes · Freshwater Fish
What Japanese Ricefish / Medaka look like
Oryzias latipes is a small surface-oriented ricefish with a slim body, upturned mouth, and translucent fins. Wild-type fish are understated, while domestic medaka strains may be white, orange, gold, blue, or metallic.
Behavior & temperament
Medaka are hardy, peaceful group fish for unheated indoor tanks, patio tubs, and ponds in suitable climates. They tolerate a broad range of water but dislike aggressive tropical tank mates and prolonged high heat.
Diet & feeding
Japanese Ricefish are omnivorous surface pickers. Feed fine floating pellets, crushed flakes, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, microworms, and small frozen foods.
Behind the name
Oryzias refers to rice fields; latipes means broad-footed or broad-finned. Medaka is the Japanese common name.
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Japanese Ricefish / Medaka?
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